Al Gore will NOT be running for President in 2008

[Harper_is_Bush]

I've pointed that Gore will not be running a few times on a few "Gore for '08!" frenzy threads.

I'm always asked why, and the simple answer is "he's too busy". He's got a lot happening with his fight against Global Warming.

This is his major baby at the moment: https://www.theclimateproject.org/

Here's an example of the time he's devoting to it:
http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/005588.html

On top of this, there is no evidence that Gore has begun with any fundraising or any of the other preliminary moves a Presidential candidate.

Quite frankly I'm thrilled he's doing what he's doing and think it would be diminished if he were to declare. He will obviously hold a lot of influence on the policy of the next Dem administration, so the argument that he can effect more positive change on the Global Warming file in office holds no water.

Keep up the good work Al.

[Junkdrawer]

1. Thanks for your OPINION. n/t

[hippiechick]

3. indeed.

:applause: RUN AL, RUN!!! :applause:

[Harper_is_Bush]

57. READ POST 9 IF YOU DOUBT THAT HE'S NOT RUNNING

[hippiechick]

89. Why the militant insistence?

:shrug: It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings.

[Harper_is_Bush]

5. not just me OPINION. I lay out the reasoning, if you bothered to read.

N/T

[SaneInSC]

11. Yes, opinions(hopefully) are based on some sort of reasoning

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin opinion-, opinio, from opinari


1 a : a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/opinion

[Harper_is_Bush]

15. No, not always. He said it was my "OPINION", in caps, indicating it was that and nothing more

It is beyond just my opinion, it has solid reasoning behind it.

If someone said to you that Global Warming was just your "OPINION", would you sit back and say "uh gee, i guess you're right about that."??

Go read post 9, that's got more reasoning/EVIDENCE that he's not running. It's not just my opinion, I guess.

edit: fix incorrect quoting

[QuestionAll...]

24. I heard him say on Ellen DeGeneres that

he has lost his love of politics and feels what he is doing now is more important.

sounds like he's not running, or is a big fat liar.
I believe the former, too bad so many devoteds seem to believe the latter.

[Harper_is_Bush]

47. Exactly. That's pretty convincing evidence that he's not running.

It extends beyond simply my opinion....it's his own opinion that he doesn't want to run.

[Junkdrawer]

29. So your OPINION on Al is at the same certainty level as Global Warming...

Wow. :wow:

[SaneInSC]

36. I'm not the dictionary police, but..

Inflected Form(s): rea·soned; rea·son·ing /'rEz-ni, 'rE-z&n-i/
intransitive verb
1 a obsolete : to take part in conversation, discussion, or argument b : to talk with another so as to influence actions or opinions <can't reason with them>
2 : to use the faculty of reason so as to arrive at conclusions
transitive verb
1 archaic : to justify or support with reasons
2 : to persuade or influence by the use of reason
3 : to discover, formulate, or conclude by the use of reason <a carefully reasoned analysis>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When the primaries are well underway and he hasn't announced, I would then feel comfortable stating as more than opinion (ie.fact), that he is not running.

The amount or quality of a persons "reasoning" doesn't make it not their opinion. In your reply to #1 you said it wasn't your opinion because it was based on "solid reasoning".

If he in 5 months announces he is running, what will you think then? "Gee I guess the facts weren't facts." Or was it that your opinion and speculation, no matter how solidly reasoned, was off base?

No intended hard feelings here on my part. Its difficult to see a defense of an opinion be stated as "more than my opinion" simply because you have some reasons (justifications for the opinion). Facts is facts. Your opinion is valid and important too! Its just not a fact..yet.

I am just hoping for someone to run who is honest and actually cares for the well-being of a majority of Americans.

[tkmorris]

13. It's still just your opinion

There's no need to get upset about it. Yes, you gave reasons you hold that opinion, and FWIW they are pretty solid reasons, but all that means is it's a respectably informed opinion.

We're all on the same side here, try to remember that.

[Harper_is_Bush]

16. "there's no need to get upset about it"

:wtf:

[tkmorris]

33. Your comment

The one where you said you had reasons, "if you bothered to read". Not exactly friendly, is it?

You posted an opinion, and that's fine. Don't get upset if others point out that it remains just an opinion, or if they disagree with it. It's a silly thing to argue about.

[Harper_is_Bush]

34. big deal

The poster yelled at me, and in doing so insinuated it was nothing but my opinion.

So sorry i wasn't exactly friendly to someone less than friendly to me.

But don't accuse me of getting "upset". That's just a cheap argumentative tactic, and it's not exactly friendly either.

[Junkdrawer]

18. I read your opinion. Here's mine: If Al announces before 2008, he's an idiot.

And Al's not an idiot.

As soon as he announces, he's the front runner. He has so much stature that he doesn't need the time to gather funds and support. The earlier he announces, the more time the unfair "he claims to have invented the Internet, he's a stiff" stuff starts and has, through repetition, a chance to stick.

[Harper_is_Bush]

20. read post 9. n/t

[LittleClarkie]

87. Read post 28 n/t

.

[WI_DEM]

2. that is my opinion as well. He's said too many times he isn't running

If he does run, I will be pleasantly surprised.

[Hubert Flottz]

4. I think the people will fund Al Gore should he decide to do his duty

I don't have much money, but I'd donate every penny I could rake up!

[Harper_is_Bush]

7. To "do his duty"? Have some respect for the man.

Running for President is not his "duty".

He's doing far and beyond his duty, right now.

If people here put half as much energy into promoting what he wants us to do (i.e. switch our light bulbs) as they do in wishing he would run GHG would drop immediately.

[Hubert Flottz]

21. [ ]< PSSSS ssssssss sssssss ssssssss ssssssssss ssssssss

sssssssssss ~~~~~~~~~~~~< (Doink)(OUCH)

His duty is to scare the askissing freepers and hacks to DEATH! And he will when he says I'm running in 08!

[Harper_is_Bush]

25. You don't decide Al Gore's duty. He is doing more than his duty

right now.

[Hubert Flottz]

30. And I guess you do decide Al's every move and whim?

Sorry to not have agreed with you, oh great and all knowing one!

[Harper_is_Bush]

35. I don't presume to tell Al what his duty is, as you do....

Nor do I presume to decide anything for him, as you clearly do.

[Hubert Flottz]

37. He once promised me eyeball to eyeball, back in 2000, that...

IF I would vote for him, he would NEVER stop fighting for me! Is Al Gore a liar? I didn't think so then and I voted for him. The fight lies ahead! Al Gore knows what the fight is for!

EDIT...I'll bet Al Gore remembers what he promised the people who have supported him.

[election_2004]

52. Ha, you're funny....

He was running for president at the time...of course he said that to you!

[Hubert Flottz]

88. If he'd been a republic I'd have known he was lying to get a vote.

But since he's a democrat I think he meant what he said. "NEVER" means NEVER!

[Kolesar]

6. My organizing manual says a candidate must develop an (issue) constituency...

...to give him/her an organizing base and an issue to run on. President Gore is golden on climate protection.

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

8. Al has a solid YEAR to declare.

Fundraising is not a problem. Not only will the People empty their piggy banks for him, I believe that his personal wealth is such that he could finance the campaign out-of-pocket.

After he gets the Academy Award for Best Documentary, he'll get more pub than anyone could ever buy, all of it good, and the MSM will jump on the "my how he has changed" bandwagon.

The Gore/Just about Anyone ticket is unbeatable and he knows it. When he is sworn in on January 20, 2009, I will dissolve into a puddle of joyful tears

[Trajan]

9. I never tire of this ...

Well .. maybe I do ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=3008647#3008944

Trajan (1000+ posts)
Fri Dec-08-06 10:21 PM
Response to Reply #21

27. Not a whole lot ....


I love Albert Gore ....

Edited on Sat Nov-11-06 06:12 PM by Trajan

I recently saw him at The Rose Garden, in Portland, Oregon.

At the end of His discussion of Global Warming, there was a Q&A period ...

One of the audience members told Al that he had started a website whose sole purpose was to convince Vice President Gore to again run for the highest office, and to collect donations for that cause ... That he knew Gore WOULD win .. again ... if he were to jump in the race ....

The audience, of course, erupted into loud applause, and Al, being his typical modest self, was so embarrased AND appreciative of the crowds approval .....

But then he got very serious : He said he was deeply moved by the sentiments, and that he understood how so many people want him to try again ... but: he was done with elective politics ....

Albert Gore wants NO part of an elective campaign, with all of the ugliness and stress .... He LIKES His life as it is now .... He is an advisor to great nations, he is deeply involved with those subjects which move him most ... the causes that motivate his soul ....

It was sad to hear it from his own lips, because I truly adore Albert Gore as a human being ....

But he was speaking truth .... Albert Gore will NOT run for President of the United States ....

Again : Albert Gore will NOT run for President of the United States ....

As much as I want him to run, I think I would rather he be happy in his place in the world ...

IF running made him happy, then by all means, he should, and he would get MY vote before any other candidate ...

But he wore his heart on his sleeve that evening in October ... and I believe him ...

Albert Gore will NOT run for President of the United States ....

Having said that : I bet he would be as awesome a Secretary Of State as he is a steward of the environment ....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[Harper_is_Bush]

17. Thanks. More EVIDENCE that he's not running.

When will those in denial accept the reality?

[Trajan]

23. In all fairness .. I hope he changes his mind on this ....

And we needn't use anger and insult as a communicative tool with our friends here at DU ....

[glarius]

38. You are a Canadian, as am I, don't you think Americans,living in their own country,

and closer to the action, would have a better handle on whether he is running or not? Surely they are more aware of what the political situation is.
Just a thought.

[Harper_is_Bush]

44. What an odd comment

No, I don't. We all have access to the same media, last time I checked.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

10. Saving the planet is more important than saving one nation to him....

Much as I'd love him to run again - I've come to that conclusion. Although - as President he could do a lot.

[NYCGirl]

12. As President, he could do BOTH. NT

[warrens]

14. Gore will run if he thinks he can clear out primary oppo

He just doesn't have the time to run as an underdog. In my opinion.

He can do more about global warming from the White House than as a citizen, something he has said many times.

[nam78_two]

19. In what position can he effect more change

than in the top spot of such an affluent and wasteful nation :shrug:?

I have often heard that people would be ok with changing their ways in this regard, if they felt there were a sufficient no. of other people doing that, so that it wasn't purely symbolic, and they were actually making a difference.
The best chance this has of happening is with legislation coming from the top imo...

[TheWraith]

22. And a good thing, too.

Don't get me wrong, I like Al Gore, but the Gore-mania around here is too much. He's already lost one presidential election, which makes him damaged goods, and frankly I don't think he should run again, or that he would be the best available candidate.

[NYCGirl]

31. What presidential election did he lose? He won in 2000, but the SCOTUS

stole it.

[TheWraith]

41. Most people don't apprecciate the distinction.

And think of how much hay would be made out of that whole incident by the right. I'm not normally one to worry about how they see things, but I also don't believe in handing them ammunition.

[NYCGirl]

43. So they stole the election, and you're worried about how the RW'll talk about it?

:shrug:

[Harper_is_Bush]

46. Stolen or not, he lost it. That is the simple reality.

If he had won it, he'd be President. See how that works?

[NYCGirl]

51. So I guess it's all OK with you, then? NT

[Harper_is_Bush]

55. bit of an assumption on your part there...

The forum is much better when people don't make incorrect assumptions about posters. Saves on needless responses to the incorrect assumptions, such as this post.

[NYCGirl]

64. Your ENTIRE ORIGINAL POST is an assumption. But, of course, in the absolute

certainty of your mind, you don't see that.

[Harper_is_Bush]

66. Resort to personal insults if that's all you have left. It doesn't bother me.

But it should bother you.

[NYCGirl]

69. LOL!

[Samantha]

53. The pure reality of the situation is many people do not accept Bush*

as their president. "See how that works?" you ask. Ask George Bush* if he sees how that works.

When one cannot be trusted to tell the truth about an election, those who believe he is seizing the office will doubt his candor about his reasons when he starts a war. And thus when he needs the supports of those he misled, such as now, where is that support? It has evaporated. And to whom are those people listening? They are listening to Al Gore. And many of them openly say, "Al Gore is my President."

I am one.

[Harper_is_Bush]

56. that is called a "red herring". How should I answer it?

You're not addressing my point, yet you're implying something. Should I bother trying to figure out what you're implying? Nah.

[longship]

26. I don't know about this.

Your argument is certainly something to consider. However, I would point out that Al is not being very forthcoming with what's in his mind. Whenever somebody asks him about 2008 his response is basically that he is not inclined to run. However, he has never, ever outright stated that it's "No."

Al's no dummy. He sees how the media are trumpeting every speculation about 2008. The fact that he is not inclined to jump into the meat grinder at this time is far from surprising. So this begs the question, "Why is he leaving the door open a crack?"

I'm not saying that Gore's gonna run. I believe him when he says that he is inclined not to. But until the man has closed that door, I must hold out hope that he will make the decision to do so. Until he says, "No," I don't think anybody can state unequivocally that he will not run. At least, nobody but Al Gore himself. Clearly, he has not done that.

One more thing. The people who have their shorts all in a bunch about 2008 right now are jumping the shark. There's no reason for anybody to be so caught up in this at this time. The election is almost two years in the future. There is absolutely zero urgency. All these 2008 posts here at DU are just so much nonesense.

Al will make a decision when it is time. That likely won't happen for months.

[Harper_is_Bush]

27. "Al is not being very forthcoming with what's in his mind"

read post 9

[longship]

32. That's the first time I've seen this.

Thanks.

[Rosco T.]

28. Gore: December 12th, 2006

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061212/ap_on_el_pr/gore2008

"I am not planning to run for president again," Gore said last week, arguing that his focus is raising public awareness about global warming and its dire effects. Then, he added: "I haven't completely ruled it out.

Those words make Gore the 800-pound non-candidate of the Democratic field. The possibility of another presidential bid delights many Democrats still steamed over the disputed 2000 election, in which they argue a few more votes, a state other than Florida and a different Supreme Court could have put Gore, not George W. Bush, in the White House.

[Marnieworld]

40. Thank you!

Uh, what's the conventional behavior of someone who has already run for the office of the president, if you go by vote counting actually has already won?

Al is in a unique position so obviously he would behave uniquely. The Inconvenient Truth DVD was just released and then there are the Oscars in a few months. He doesn't have to be in a hurry like a unproven person like Obama. He already has a network of supporters, the ear of many top funders etc. To say he isn't running because his actions and behaviors in 2006 aren't traditional of a candidate misses the point that he isn't a traditional candidate. He can fully wait it all out to see who declares their intentions before making a decision. He can wait until late 2007 if he wants and still be quite viable.

And to join others, you stated an opinion. An opinion based on your deductions of facts, trends etc but still an opinion. His coyness speaks volumes to me so it's my opinion that it is still quite unknown what his ultimate intentions will be.

[Warren DeMontague]

54. The only people who have "completely ruled it out" are the folks here who seem overly anxious

to get folks to give up on the idea.

[HamdenRice]

39. If he's not, just pass the razor blade so I can slit my wrist

He's the only viable candidate who I think has the right priorities, and if he doesn't run, we're doomed.

Don't get me wrong, I would be pleased with a President Dean, Kucinich, Pelosi, Conyers, or several others, but I don't think they can get elected in the general election.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

42. Yeah, as President, his power to influence global warming would diminish.

:eyes:

[Harper_is_Bush]

45. You fail to recognize that it's not the power he would wield in office

but the ability to convince others that the issue requires all of us to act.

If he ran the chorus of "SEE??!?!?! We TOLD you he was just playing up the issue so he could run again!!!" will be deafening.

He'd have the executive, but his integrity on the issue will be compromised and attacked.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

48. Ever hear of a 1992 book called Earth in the Balance?

You seem to believe he was first interested in the environment
with An Inconvenient Truth. He cannot lose integrity on this issue,
whether he runs or not, although I understand that you want him to base
his decision on what you believe the RW freak idiots will say.
The last thing those evil freaks want to bring up is the environment. But
good luck on fearfully shaping your thoughts around what you think they will say.

[AtomicKitten]

49. You state your opinion as if it is fact.

It is not fact. And I do hope Al Gore runs for president in 2008. He has, in fact, left the door open. We shall see.

[TahitiNut]

61. You don't understand. He uses only the finest crystal ball. It's got a warranty!

:rofl:

I'm continually bemused by claims of infallible prognostication. Such folks must be the bane of race tracks and lotteries within 500 miles of them! Not to mention the stock market!!
:dunce:

It seems to be a talent shared by Utilitarians ... particularly the "ends justify the means" sect of Utilitarianism. In order to guide one's self by a consequentialist ethic, one must have perfect foresight - always knowing the consequences of their chosen behavior. I'd think they must be the best drivers and pilots in the world.

:silly:

[Warren DeMontague]

50. Hmmm. I guess we're gonna get one of these threads every 2 days or so?

Nice try.

Again.

Gotta say, though, you inspired me to change my sig. Congrats!

[Harper_is_Bush]

58. Please do not misrepresent me

i have not posted a thread of this nature before. Do not misrepresent me please.

[Warren DeMontague]

84. You are correct. I had you confused with someone else. Apologies.

Still, I wonder what the eagerness on the part of a small minority here is, to "convince" everyone of something that is NOT a settled fact by any stretch.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=2927601

It's still 2006. We'll see, won't we? I mean, if Al Gore really isn't running, we'll all find that out in due course. So what's with the need to present it as a capital-F FACT that he's "not running, dammit!". I mean, what's the big deal?

Unless, for whatever reason, some people are tired of seeing him kick major ass as the clear front runner in every DU poll his name appears in. That's all I can come up with. :shrug:

[johnaries]

59. Can I borrow your crystal ball? I need the Powerball numbers.

You make some good arguments, but there are also good arguments that he will run.

I hope he does, but you are correct that if he doesn't he's still doing an excellent job.

Will he run or won't he? he has said he isn't planning on it, but he hasn't decided against it, either.

If Al doesn't know for sure if he's going to run, how can anyone else claim to now for sure?

[Harper_is_Bush]

60. He has said he's done with "electoral politics". See post #9 for that. n/t

[johnaries]

62. He has also REPEATEDLY said he is not ready to say "never".

Sorry, that post is all opinion and impressions of someone who attended a Gore speech. I have seen him in many, many, interviews. He has always carefully left the door open in every single interview that I have personally witnessed.

I don't believe post #9.

[Harper_is_Bush]

65. What is more indicitive/powerful?

Saying he won't rule it out, or that elective politics turns him off and makes him unhappy?

I dunno. To a logical thinker it should seem obvious.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

68. "I dunno."

There ya go. That wasnt so hard, was it?

[Harper_is_Bush]

70. How incredibly dishonest

try to raise your level please.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

72. You "dunno." Don't be ashamed. Don't get hysterical.

Nobody knows. I doubt Gore even knows.
You sure arent convincing very many folks in this thread.
All these illogical people you must put up with.

[Harper_is_Bush]

73. oh. ok. I'm "hysterical". Am I "emotional" too?

A common tactic.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

74. Well, since you asked, in my view, yes,

you're losing it a little in the face of a lot of people
who arent taking your oracular pronouncements as
seriously as you wish. Of course, that's just my opinion.
Perhaps you have a personal stake in Gore's not running
that you want to discuss.

[Harper_is_Bush]

75. "perhaps you have a pesonal stake in Gore's not running that you want to discuss"

Perhaps you better step off.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

76. Touched a nerve?

[Harper_is_Bush]

77. Is that your goal?

i think there's a name for that

[A-Schwarzenegger]

78. Do you have a personal stake in Gore's not running?

Simple question. Defensiveness does not become the oracle.

[Harper_is_Bush]

81. Such as?

What are you suggesting?

edit: give some examples. you are focusing on me instead of my points, and i deserve to understand why.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

85. The enthusiasm with which you present your opinion as fact

suggests that you are personally involved somehow.
Are you involved personally, for example, in his environmental
organization, and therefore you want him to focus on that alone and not on
the many other issues he'd have to address if he ran and/or won?
Issues that would dilute his environmental work and therefore somehow
affect your involvement? If so, it's a noble personal stake. But either
way, do you honestly not see that your attitude is undermining your
position/argument/opinion in this thread?

[johnaries]

79. I have never heard him say "elective politics makes him unhappy"

You're still referring back to post # 9. Remember, a single reporter of on of Gore's speeches claimed he said he invented the internet. Which he never said.

Regardless, whatever his state of mind is now may not be the same state of mind he will have a year and a half from now. He knows that netter than any of us, which is why he has NOT made a definitive statement. He made not be planning on it now, but he has left himself plenty of "wiggle-room" in case he decides to run later. He is simply not allowing himself to be "nailed down" one way or the other. He has been very careful about that.

So, again, if he realizes that he doesn't know yet what decision he will make when it comes time to "throw his hat in the ring", what in the world possesses you to think that you know?

[Harper_is_Bush]

82. he has expressed his distaste for "elective politics"

[tkmorris]

63. I know you can read, therefore

I know that you know he said, just this past week, that he hasn't completely ruled out running.

So at this point I'm not sure what you are doing. Just being difficult? Obtuse? Trying to convince yourself? Whatever it is, it's pretty obvious.

Look, I don't think Gore will run. I hope he does, but I don't think he wants to get into a primary battle etc with other Dems. If it seems he is needed, due to a weak or divided field, he might be convinced. I don't think we are going to see a weak field though. Divided is possible, but not weak.

In the meantime, relax. Go fishing, or take a hike through the woods, or whatever works for you. These 60 post long flamefests are just counter-productive.

See you on the DU.

[LittleClarkie]

67. YOU DARE TO DOUBT THE ORACLE!!??

DIE HERETIC!

[Harper_is_Bush]

71. mature. Answer me this:

Are you able to admit that Gore has said he's done with electoral politics?

[Warren DeMontague]

80. Are you able to admit that you seem a little obsessive about this subject?

Obsessive enough to raise questions as to what your motives are?

[Harper_is_Bush]

91. I guess you're not. n/t

[LittleClarkie]

86. Yes. Are you able to admit that minds can change, and that he also said this:

"Then, he added: "I haven't completely ruled it out."

The door remains open, if only just a crack.

[barb162]

83. I keep wondering if in a few months he'll decide to run

[RestoreGore]

90. He Is Greater Than Any President

What he is doing now as a private citizen is beyond selfless and brave. He is standing up to the status quo that so many seem to want him to run in, and that boggles my mind. The man spent over a quarter of a century in politics and I do believe he now truly feels after having seen that dirty side of the coin that he can effect greater change from the other side and he is doing so, which is what this is really all about in the end. Not how you get there. I do not believe it is about the "office" to him, it is about the higher ideal that WE as a people can make the changes necesary to push this country into the 21st Century. In other words, to see that Democratic participation that seems to have been all but forgotten.

And you would not have found a more vociferous supporter of him than I regarding running for office just a few years ago. However, the entire landscape politically in this country has changed and not for the better, and I believe above all that Mr. Gore is a realist and can now see based on the real damage we are wrecking on this planet, that there is no time to waste on diversionary campaigns that would damage the momentum HE can achieve out here in bringing this truth to people. He connects on this issue with people, and that is now CRUCIAL to taking the next step which we better take SOON.

The only campaign worth waging now is for the survival of our planet. Again, to me, that is beyond selfless, brave, and presidential, and I will stand with him in that fight regardless of title. And I wasn't even selected for his climate project by those doing the picking for whatever reason, which while disappointing has not deterred me from helping him do all I can to save this planet for our children.

I really wish the political operatives could see beyond their polls and soundbites to the true emergency this planet will face if they do not wake up NOW. Honestly, all of this pushing him is tantamount to harrassment at some point, if at EVERY damn interview he has to keep making statements about running for President as if that is the only reason anyone gives a damn about what he is talking about!

He is a private citizen and statesman now doing what he wishes to effect social and political change using the resources he has accumulated out here, which right now are more than he would have running in this political system. And in the end, whether this message and warning can be conveyed to the grassroots of this country across the board in an effective way will make or break the progress we achieve regarding this crisis. And THAT is the prize he told us to keep our eye on.

[VOX]

92. No one's gonna change his mind: 1/3 of the posts on this thread belong to OP.

He's convinced Gore's not running. In spite of any quotable, linkable documentation that specifically states Al Gore is *not* running, the OP will not budge or give a hair's breadth.

Since it's end game at every move, maybe it's time to let this thread die a natural death.